THE Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) has turned over a P4.13 million trading center to the Benguet Arabica Coffee Enterprise (BACE).
The trading center is intended to bolster the coffee production of the recipient enterprises, as well as to support the BACE’s operations in coffee consolidation and trading.
The center itself is part of an ongoing P13.91 million subproject aimed at improving high-value coffee production in the province, with funding from the DA, the World Bank, and various proponent groups of coffee growers and traders in the province.
In addition to the trading center, two hauling vehicles, 75 coffee pulpers, 350 hermetic bags, 16 units of the fabricated elevated solar dryer, and other various coffee-making and processing equipment were previously provided to the Benguet coffee growers.
DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey also encouraged the recipient groups in Benguet to continue to polish their trade and to innovate.
“Coffee is a premium product of the region and the biggest challenge for you today is your business plan. You came up with it five years ago, and now that it is completed, go back and revisit your plans on how to be a millionaire through your enterprise,” he said.
